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2nd COPY, 
18SS. 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap. jl%^ rgh YJL- 

Shelf., 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



D £C22 



1898 




AGNES STEUART HAMILTON. 



Thoughts and Experience 
In Verse 



By 

Agnes S. Hamilton 




Wilmington, Del. 
1899 



TS "SriS 
.A4-fcT4- 



Copyright, 1898 

BY 

Agnes S. Hamilton 



- 



Lippincott Press' 



ni _ 



INTRODUCTION. 



npHINKING that a little sketch of some of the 
principal events of my life might be of interest 
to my children, and perhaps to others also, I write 
the following notes : 

I was born in Killenchy, County Down, Ireland, 
February 19, 1838, and came to America in 1855, 
where I was married in 1857, on the second day of 
May, to John Hamilton, from the same place in 
Ireland. Mr. Hamilton came to America four years 
before I did. 

We had five children, three boys and two girls, the 
eldest, John Steuart Hamilton, born in Benwood, 
West Virginia, March 6, 1858; Catherine Douglass 
Hamilton, May 25, i860; Thomas and Samuel Hamil- 



Introduction. 

ton, October n, 1862, and' Mary A. Hamilton, March 
13, 1865. I was always inclined to be religious, and 
had a Christian mother, who taught her children to 
pray and trust in God. She often said that those 
whom God took care of none could harm. How true 
I have found this to be ! 

I was first brought under conviction by a dream. 
I dreamed I saw the Saviour on the cross. I was 
then about twenty- three years old. I was most 
wretched; I sighed and wept and did not know what 
ailed me. We had a great deal of sickness and 
trouble, and I was proud. There was no person to 
whom I would go, so I went to God and told Him 
all my trouble just as to a friend, and I felt 
relieved. 

This is, as I think, casting our burden on the Lord. 
I was still heavy hearted, but I would go to my room 
and close my door and pray to God when I did not 
know what I was praying for, as we did not go to 
church, and I had never come in contact with any 



Introduction. 

religious people in my new home. My despondency 
was no help for me, except to move me to prayer. 

I prayed and wept when I could not utter a single 
word, and kept my grief all to myself. I would not 
have even my husband to know ; but one day when 
I was praying I felt a presence, and looking behind 
me I felt as if some one stood over me, and I felt 
very happy. So I came out and dried my tears. 

When my little boy died I was distressed, and an 
old woman said to me that I must have greatly 
offended God when He put such an affliction on me. 
But I thought that if God afflicted me it was for my 
good, and I was comforted. I kept on praying, and 
at length my husband and I went into business and 
everything we did prospered. 

We commenced going to church, and I enjoyed the 
service very much. I took great delight in reading 
the Bible and hymn-book. 

Sometimes I would do things that were not right, 
and my conduct would grieve me very much. Then I 



Introduction. 

would go to my room and close my door and pray 
for forgiveness. Then I would come out and resolve 
to do better. I kept on praying and was very happy. 
I could look up now and feel that God was pleased 
with me; yet the remaining sin troubled me so much 
that I got into the habit of praying continually, and 
I was very happy. 

I told my husband one day that I thought I had 
religion just as much as anybody. Such a peace as 
filled my soul I had never felt before. I kept on 
praying, and one Sunday evening, when we had not 
been to church on account of sickness in the home, 
I was sitting in my chair reading the hymn-book, 
when my eyes fell on the hymn called " Peace in 
Believing." It is familiar to many. Here it is: 



How happy are they who the Saviour obey 

And have laid up their treasures above ; 

Tongue can never express the sweet comfort and peace 

Of a soul in its earliest love 
6 



Introduction. 

" It was heaven below my Redeemer to know, 
And the angels could do nothing more 
Than to fall at His feet and the story repeat, 
And the lover of sinners adore 

"Oh, the rapturous height of that holy delight 
Which I felt in the life-giving blood ; 
Of my Saviour possessed, I was perfectly blessed, 
As if filled with the fulness of God. 

" Then all the day long was my Jesus my song, 
And redemption through faith in His name; 
Oh, that all may believe, and salvation receive, 
And their song and their joy be the same." 



There and then I received the baptism of the Holy 
Spirit. I knew that my sins were forgiven as well as 
if I had stood face to face with my Saviour. I rose 
to my feet and told it. I was so happy that I could 
not eat nor sleep. My friends thought my mind was 
wrong. That was twenty-four years ago. I felt that 



Introduction. 

there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ 
Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the 
spirit. 

After twenty- four years God has again blessed me. 
This time it is a gift, as, indeed, it was then, for 
God distributes His gifts among His children, and we 
all get them, whether we acknowledge them or not, 
for we all have our talent. 

If He gives us five, let us gain other five ; and if 
we have only one gift, let us not hide it in the 
ground, but do our best with it. I am nothing but 
an old woman who has had very little chance of 
improving my talent. But it is evident that God is 
pleased with me, for His gift to me is that I can put 
my thoughts and experience into poetical measures. 
I cannot express my gratitude to Him, but He knows it. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

The Poets "... 13 

Our Refuge , 15 

Upon the Other Shore 16 

A Song that's New 17 

At Dawn 18 

The Voice of Our Nation 19 

The Time is Coming 21 

My Trust and Resting Place 22 

A Picture 23 

Christ Coming 25 

Love 26 

Come to the Saviour , . 27 

Waiting 28 

Gratitude 29 

Invitation 30 

The Holy Spirit 31 

Youth and Age 32 

The Abiding Comforter 33 

The Heavenly Guest 34 

He'Leadeth 35 

Trust God or Mammon 37 

Delaware's Greatest Son ^8 

A Question 39 

The Greatest Power , . . . 40 

My Relative 42 

The Glad Surprise 43 

Oh, for a Heart 44 

9 



Contents. 

PAGE 

The Joy of Assurance 45 

The Friend of all Friends 46 

Trusting in God 47 

The Red, White, and Blue 48 

I Miss Thee 49 

How Strange 51 

To My Critic 52 

To My Children 53 

My Own Native Land 54 

Instead of Prayer and Praise 55 

A Prayer 56 

The Good and True 58 

This is Not Our Home 59 

The Greatest Work 60 

He Will Forgive You 61 

Of Things at Hand 63 

The Spirit of God 64 

Waiting on the Muse 65 

Election Day 66 

The Saviour's Call 67 

The Voice Within 69 

To My Granddaughter, Clara Hamilton 70 

A Rebuke 71 

Old Ireland in Seventeen Hundred and Ninety-Eight 72 

Come to Jesus 74 

Looking Backwards 76 

Be Watching 78 

He Leadeth Me 79 

A Better Time is Coming 80 

The Spirit of Writing 82 

My Fifty-Eighth Birthday 83 

10 



Contents. 

PAGE 

The Sunset on the Sea 84 

Have You Found Your Saviour? 85 

Guided by the Spirit , 87 

What the People Believed Fifty Years Ago 88 

Be Ready 89 

Anywhere with Jesus 90 

Inspiration 92 

My Husband 93 

My Muse 94 

What a Change! .... 95 

Again and Again 96 

Society 97 

Waiting 99 

The Springtime 100 

Trust God's Word 101 

The Echo 102 

A Call to Idlers 103 

Wisdom or Wealth 104 

The Seasons 105 

Death is Sure for Man 107 

A New Heart , 108 

The Mystery of Life 109 

Prayer and Experience 11 1 

The Great Deliverer 112 

The Pilgrim 113 

Solitude 114 

Led by the Spirit 115 

Ireland 116 

Our Country 118 

That Old Song 119 

We Can Trust Him To-Day 121 

11 



Contents. 

PAGE 

Composing Rhymes 123 

The Old Year is Dying 125 

To My Granddaughter Nannie 126 

To My Mary 127 

Trusting 128 

To Erin 129 

A Mother's Prayer 130 

Dear Friend 132 

To Katie 133 

To Work . . 135 

Blest be the Thought 136 

One that I Loved Best 138 

He Constraineth Me 139 

A New Name 140 

My Thoughts Go Back 141 

I Would Rather 142 

The Christian's Daily Walk 143 

Fear and Love 144 

I Know 146 

Introspection 147 

A Dream of Long Ago 148 

To Queen Victoria 150 

The Brandywine 152 

Keep Me Ever 154 

When the Spirit Comes 156 

This Beautiful World 157 

Not a Sham 158 

A Thought 159 

A Meditation 160 

The Good Shepherd 162 

True Love 163 

12 



THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCE 
IN VERSE. 



THE POETS. 

Oh, with the poets I love to dwell, 

I take them up by turns; 
Tom Moore is my favorite, 

But I'm quite at home with Burns. 

And Byron's "Day of Destiny," 
The " Raven," wrote by Poe ; 
And Mrs. Browning's "Poet's Vow," 

With Hemans in "Juana." 
13 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

When I read Campbell's "Rainbow," 

It sets my heart aglow 
With love and adoration 

Alone the poets know. 

"My Soul and I," by Whittier, 

I love to think it o'er; 
And then the thought comes, "Will I die, 

And feel these joys no more?" 

I live in faith that after death, 

When I vacate this room, 
I'll enter to a grander sphere 

That is beyond the tomb. 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



OUR REFUGE. 

When all this world forsakes us 
And disappointment fills our cup, 

We have no other refuge, 
Then God will take us up, 

And with His touch will bless us, 
His presence make us whole; 

We are now a new creation, 
Christ lives within our souls. 

I would rather have His company 

To keep me by the way, 
Than all this world's great grandeur 

And glories of to-day. 

This world to me seems like a stage, 

On which all play their parts; 
15 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Each takes his place mechanically 
And enters with his heart. 

All faith lies in the future, 

Hope is our anchor fast; 
In trust we are cast upon life's sea 

In hope of Heaven at last. 



UPON THE OTHER SHORE. 

O Lord ! I pray Thee come to me, 
And guide my every thought; 

The blessings Thou hast given me 
Shall never be forgot. 

Yes, I will praise Thee while I'm here, 

And then when I cross o'er; 

To Thee all glory shall be given 

Upon the other shore. 
16 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



A SONG THAT'S NEW. 

Some day, some day when least I think, 

My Muse will come this way 
And sing a song I have not heard ; 

I wish he would come to-day. 

For I do so long for a song that's new, 
And one that is thoughtful though gay; 

I am sure that he'll bring the very thing, 
And I wish he'd come to-day. 

For the song when gone has lost its charm, 
E'en though we would have it stay; 

But there's no art could so gladden my heart,- 
I wish he would come to-day. 

It makes me forget my care and regret, 

And the sorrows that come day by day; 
2 17 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Oh ! give me a song, a song that's new, — 
I wish he would come to-day. 



AT DAWN. 



At dawn this morn, bright in the east, 
I viewed the glorious sun arise ; 

I thought of Him who knows what's best. 
The great, the good, and wise. 

No matter where I turn or look, 

Where'er I cast mine eyes, 
God is the author of all good 

There is beneath the skies. 

And I adore His Holy Name, 

My dearest friend on high ; 
There is a spirit in my breast 

Does "Abba, Father," cry. 

18 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Now at each heart this spirit knocks; 

If we will take Him in 
With us He'll stay all of the way, 

And save us from our sins. 



THE VOICE OF OUR NATION. 

I have just been trying to think, 

And fix it in my mind, 
For whom to cast my vote this fall,- 

McKinley or Bryan? 

They told us that if Cleveland won 
Things would be to our mind, 

And now again the cry goes up, — 
McKinley or Bryan? 

For we have found the tariff scheme 

Has failed to bring good times ; 
19 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

I wish I knew for whom to vote, — 
McKinley or Bryan? 

But I'm inclined to do what's right, 

And hope a little time 
Will make it clearer to decide, — 

McKinley or Bryan? 

And oh ! this horrid, horrid craze 

We every four years find ; 
I wish I knew for whom to vote, — 

McKinley or Bryan? 

Now as a nation we should pray, 
With all our heart and mind, 

For God to give us what is best, — 
McKinley or Bryan. 

But as I try to think what's best, 
I wish what's right to find, 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

There's some one seems to whisper near,- 
" Be sure and vote for Bryan." 



THE TIME IS COMING. 

There is a time that's coming, 
Although it can't be seen, — 

Will our hearts be filled with gladness ?- 
It is the coming of our King. 

If our sins have been forgiven, 
And with His blood made clean, 

We will hail it with gladness, 
The coming of our King. 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



MY TRUST AND RESTING PLACE. 

O Lord ! help me to serve Thee 

With a pure and holy love ; 
For every good and perfect gift 

Comes to us from above. 

And now I put my trust in Thee, 

For I am wholly Thine, 
And feel the golden thread strong drawn 

Between Thy heart and mine. 

O God ! to Thee I turn my thought, 

My heart goes up on high; 
My trust and resting place Thou art, 

And wast in days gone by. 

For Christ has come, for Christ has come, 
He died that we might live; 

22 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

To those whose hearts believe on Him 
Eternal life He'll give. 



A PICTURE. 



Just now, here as I sit and think, 

Is a picture sad to me; 
Mankind, with all his miseries, 

Before my eyes I see. 

I see the Saviour of the world, 
And great multitudes are there; 

He breaks to them the bread of life, 
And does all their sorrows share. 

Again I look : the scene has changed, 
I can scarcely now believe ; 

Men have invented many ways, 
But God they can't deceive. 
23 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

They are building towers high, 

But Babel was the same ; 
For it was not to honor God, 

But to make for man a name. 

Now look how they maintain God's house, 
With all kinds of shams and shows ; 

By begging and by bartering, 

And by ways and means who knows? 

Now men forget that Christ is King, 

And their service is in vain ; 
Their selfishness no blessing brings, 

And Heaven they ne'er will gain. 



24 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



CHRIST COMING. 

The day is fast approaching me 
When I must say " Good-by" 

To all I love on earth, and go 
To mansions in the sky. 

For Christ has left us to prepare, 

He's coming by and by, 
And safely He will us conduct 

To glory in the sky. 

I'm waiting for His coming now, 

I feel the day is nigh 
When every eye shall see Him shine, 

While coming in the sky. 

. O friends ! I beg you be prepared, 
And set your aims on high, 

25 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And have your wedding garments on 
To meet Him in the sky. 



LOVE. 

Oh, what is love? oh, where is love? 

Oh, who can love define? 
It is a flame we can't explain, 

Which captivates the mind,- — 

Enlists the heart ; then, conquered, we 

Do bow before its shrine, 
And worship give whate'er it be 

With all the heart and mind. 



26 



TJwitghts and Experience in Verse. 



COME TO THE SAVIOUR. 

There is a place where Jesus comes 

To every waiting soul, 
And He is listening all the time 

To hear us on Him call. 

O friends ! then if you would be saved, 

Now call upon His name, 
And never, never give it up 

Till God shall you reclaim. 

Eye hath not seen, nor hath ear heard, 
Nor can man's mind conceive, 

The blessings that the Lord's prepared 
For them that do believe. 



27 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



WAITING. 

I am longing and I'm waiting, 
I am listening day by day ; 

If I could only hear a whisper 
From my loved one far away. 

My friends all try to cheer me, 
And oft to me they say, — 

"He is better off than you are, 
Your loved one far away." 

But still I'll wait and listen, 
He will surely come some day, 

And then I'll be forever 

With my loved one far away. 



28 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



GRATITUDE. 

My God, when I retire at night 
My thoughts to Thee I raise ; 

When in the morning I awake 
My heart is filled with praise. 

For Thou hast kept me all my life, 
And ordered all my ways ; 

What can I render to Thee, Lord ? 
My heart is filled with praise. 

Oft of Thy goodness I will think, 

And meditate always ; 
For all Thy mercies shown to me 

My heart is filled with praise. 



29 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



INVITATION. 

Come unto me, come unto me, 
All ye with care oppressed ; 

Come unto me, come unto me, 
And I will give you rest. 

Take up my yoke and learn of me, 
And then you shall find rest; 

Put on my yoke and come to me, 
And then will you be blest. 

And here before Thee now I bow, 
And plead with Thee for grace, 

That which without none ever shall 
See Thy dear, blessed face. 



3° 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

Let us watch and pray 
And think upon Him, 

Who alone can give power 
Our fellows to win. 

Come, let us adore Him, 
All praise to Him give, 

That He may possess us 
And others may live. 

For we are all helpless, 
Our strivings are vain ; 

Except by the Spirit 
We can nothing attain. 



31 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



YOUTH AND AGE. 

Youth is full of happiness 

When health and hopes are high, 
But age, it bringeth sadness, 

For all living have to die. 

Will we meet our friends again, 
Or is their presence nigh? 

If of this we only were assured, 
There are some would long to die. 

But none have ever yet come back 

To tell us how or why, 
So death will still retain its sting, 

For all living have to die. 



32 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse, 



THE ABIDING COMFORTER. 

I am happy all day, 

Though the rest are away, 
And have left me alone with my Friend ; 

For His presence, so sweet, 

Makes my joy, then, complete, 
And He will abide to the end. 

'Tis the Comforter has come, 

That God promised to His own 
This blessing to them He would send ; 

If we in Him confide, 

He will with us abide, 
And His presence shall be without end. 



33 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE HEAVENLY GUEST. 

Oh, leave me alone ! oh, leave me alone ! 

Oh, leave me alone with my Guest ! 
The dearest and best friend I ever have known 

Abideth within this poor breast. 

This world and the fashions are nothing to me, 

As I am of little possessed ; 
Now all that I ask is to leave me alone, 

Oh, leave me alone with my Guest. 

For here I could stay forever and aye 
While leaning my head on His breast, 

And listen to what He would say unto me, 
Oh, leave me alone with my Guest. 



34 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



HE LEADETH. 

Come, dwell in this bosom, 

Sweet Spirit divine ; 
It's the blessed assurance 

I truly am Thine. 

In Thy Word it is written 
We shall know in that day, 

And we would hear His voice, 
Saying "I am the Way." 

He leadeth, we follow, 
His own know His voice; 

By pastures so green 
Our hearts do rejoice. 

And by the still waters, 

God's fountain of love; 
35 



Thotights and Experience in Verse. 

It's the sweet Spirit 

That comes from above. 



We have all been invited, 
Why longer delay? 

The feast is now waiting, — 
Dear friend, come to-day. 

The Bridegroom is coming, 
The Bride is arrayed ; 

The Spirit is calling, — 
Why not come to-day? 

And all those whosoever, 
And all who believe, 

May come to the feast, 
They will be received. 



36 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



TRUST GOD OR MAMMON. 

If you come to the Saviour, 
You must trust and believe ; 

Your sins, you must leave them, 
God is not deceived. 

For God is not mocked, 
His laws, they are pure; 

And without repentance 
Salvation's not sure. 

We are told in God's Word 
To choose whom we will serve, 

And our God has no pleasure 
In him who will swerve. 

Now if you trust Mammon, 
Do tell us outright ; 

37 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

But if you're on God's side, 
Serve Him with your might. 



DELAWARE'S GREATEST SON. 

To our own poet England has spoken 
Of Bayard, our neighbor and friend, 

Who loved honor far better than dollars, 
And the right he did always defend. 

We mourn for the loss of our statesman, 

And his name we will herald the world o'er; 

True manhood will still be admired, 
And its works shall live evermore. 

For Bayard to-day our State sorrows, 

But we will think of the good he has wrought; 
To bring peace and good-will to the nation, 

His life with this effort has been fraught. 

38 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

To know him, they say, was to love him, 
And Delaware was proud of her son ; 

For Bayard, the name we revere it, 
A name never ending he has won. 



A QUESTION. 

Now in the Christian Church to-day 
There's fashion and there's folly, 

Where should be humble, contrite hearts, 
And lives both pure and holy. 

How is their light, and does it shine 

That other men may see it, 
And knowledge take they've been with God, 

As our dear Lord decreed it? 

And do they keep God's last commands, 
Oh, do they love each other, 

39 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And try to do what good they can 
For every man, their brother? 



THE GREATEST POWER. 

I had a dream, it seemed so true, 

A voice from out the storm, 
Saying, ll I'm the greatest power on earth 

There is in any form." 

Again amid the raging deep, 
Where seas ran mountains high, 

Methought I heard the waves to speak, 
"Behold, how great am I!" 

And then the conflagration grand, 

With its terrific power, 

"I am the greatest of the great, 

Look on me now this hour." 
40 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

At length, when I at last awoke 
And thought about my dream, 

Tried to decide which greatest were, 
I could not choose between. 

And then I heard a sweet, low voice, 
Seeming wafted from above, — 

"It's none of these: look up! look up! 
The greatest power is love." 



41 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



MY RELATIVE. 

There is a woman in this town, 
And my ! but she's afflicted 

With talking of her neighbors all, 
And to them she's not restricted, 

But even of her flesh and blood, — 
To tell their faults should shame her; 

She is a relative of mine, 

And yet I dare not name her. 

I hope and trust she will repent, 

And that she'll be forgiven, 
For if she don't I am afraid 

She'll never get to Heaven. 



42 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE GLAD SURPRISE. 

Christ says whoe'er believes on Him 

That they shall never die; 
Although they may be dead to earth, 

Live they above the sky. 

For death, I think, is nothing more 

Than closing of our eyes, 
And waking to eternal bliss 

With Jesus in the skies. 

And, oh, what joy us there awaits, 

What rapture and surprise, 
When we have reached that promised land. 

The land beyond the skies. 



43 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



OH, FOR A HEART. 

Death to all greed and jealousy, 

Debasers of mankind ; 
Oh, for a heart that's been renewed 

And filled with love divine ! 

A heart that's truly been forgiven 

Will always mercy show, 
And by our fruits our Saviour said 

We should each other know. 

If God our Father be indeed, 
Then men should brothers be, 

And by their daily walk in life 
The world may look and see. 



44 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse, 



THE JOY OF ASSURANCE. 

And now, O my Saviour ! 

I know that I'm Thine, 
Because of Thy presence 

In this heart of mine. 

Though friends may forsake me 

And fortune decline, 
Thy presence assures me 

That still I am Thine. 

And now, O my Saviour ! 

To Thee all I resign, 
And trust Thee to keep me, — 

I know that I'm Thine. 



45 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE FRIEND OF ALL FRIENDS. 

To whom will I go my sorrow to show, 

To whom will I go but to Jesus? 
For He is my friend, on Him I depend, — 

The friend of all friends is Jesus. 

I find it is true, earthly friends they are few, 
In my sorrow I called upon Jesus; 

He pardoned my sins, His peace gave within, — 
The friend of all friends is Jesus. 

For I now hear Him say, "I am the Way," 
I will cast all my care upon Jesus ; 

For His promise is sure, to the end will endure,- 
The friend of all friends is Jesus. 



4 6 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



TRUSTING IN GOD. 

Whatever God may send, 
He'll help me well to bear, 

For His spirit beareth witness 
That my name's written there. 

I put my trust in Thee, 
On Thee my soul depends ; 

By all things I've been deceived, 
Thou art mv dearest friend. 



47 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE. 

Columbia now holds a high station, 
The land of the brave and the true ; 

Here come the oppressed of all nations, 
Our standard the red, white, and blue. 

We would be at peace with our neighbors, 

And did not want war to pursue, 
But they blew up the Maine and our sailors, 

Which won't do for the red, white, and blue. 

For our Dewey is a leader that's mighty, 
And our Yankee boys know what to do, 

And we made Spaniards flee at Manila, 

From our standard, the red, white, and blue. 

As one man we will stand by our colors, 

To God and our country be true; 

4 8 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

We'll very soon do up the Spaniards, 

With our standard, the red, white, and blue. 

Now Hobson to-day is our hero, 

No greater we ever have known, 
We will crown him with glory and honor, 

Our standard the red, white, and blue. 

And now the great fleet of Cervera 

Had no chance with Sampson, we knew; 

They had better shake hands and be brothers, 
And come under the red, white, and blue. 



I MISS THEE. 



I miss thy voice at dawn of day, 
I miss thy steps at noon, 

I miss thy kiss and thy caress, 
My own, my very own. 

49 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

I think of thee as first we met, 

And oft in midnight dreams ; 
My own, my own, my only love, 

To me how real it seems. 

Alas ! this life is as a dream, 

And we, poor silly things, 
As butterflies are flitting by, 

But death soon breaks our wings. 

And as poor worms from earth we came, 
To dust we must again return ; 

All silent, not a word comes back 

From those who have crossed the bourne. 



So 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



HOW STRANGE. 

And as I would like to rest a bit, 
How very strange it seems, 

To think I'd want to write a poem 
And have not got a theme. 

And as I turn myself around, 

Some object try to find, 
An old gray horse goes up the street, 

A thing just to my mind. 

Now I would like to write him up, 

But my ! he goes so fast, 
Before I scarcely look around 

He really has gone past. 



51 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



TO MY CRITIC. 

Indeed, kind friend, you cannot tell, 
Alas ! how my poor heart did swell 
When o'er the page I thought so well 
I found inscribed "Doubtful." 

But I am sure 'twas for my good, 
To be more careful, as I should, 
Take good advice I always would, — 
To you I am truly thankful. 

For naked truth is always best, 
And what is right will stand the test ; 
Now, really, I am not in jest, 
But to you I am grateful. 



52 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



TO MY CHILDREN. 

TO NELLIE. 

My dearest little Nellie, 

Now I would write to you ; 

With eyes so blue and heart so true, 

A sweeter girl I never knew. 

TO HAMILTON. 

But Hamilton is handsome, 
Blue eyes and golden curls ; 

You cannot find a prettier child, 
Not e'en among the girls. 

These are God-given treasures, 
My jewels and my gems, 

And I would not exchange them,— 
No, not for diadems. 



53 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



MY OWN NATIVE LAND. 

Farewell to old Ireland, 
Where first I did dwell, 

And likewise the county 
Which four letters spell. 

With its castles and towers, 

And hamlets as well; 
How I love to remember 

Where first I did dwell. 

Green isle of the ocean, 

None can thee excel, 
With the harp and the sunburst, 

And shamrock as well. 

Love for my native land 
All others doth excel, 

54 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And sweetest recollections are 
Of where first I did dwell. 



INSTEAD OF PRAYER AND PRAISE. 

Oh, what are things coming to 
Now in these latter days? 

Instead of truly serving God, 
Instead of prayer and praise, 

The house of God they do defile 

In many, many ways, 
Instead of truly serving God, 

Instead of prayer and praise. 

These suppers and these festivals, 

These concerts and the plays, 
Instead of truly serving God, 

Instead of prayer and praise. 

55 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Now if the Saviour was to come 

Now in these latter days, 
And see the way we run God's house 

Instead of prayer and praise, 

I think that I would hear Him speak, 

Now list to what He says, — 
" You've made my house a den of thieves, 

Not one of prayer and praise." 



A PRAYER. 



Come, Holy Spirit, come, oh, come, 

Come in and stay with me, 
Thy presence cheers me while I'm here,- 

I pray Thee, stay with me. 

For friends are few whom we find true, 
But Thou art all to me; 

56 



Thotights and Experience in Verse, 

Now I implore Thee more and more, — 
I pray Thee, stay with me. 

Oh, stay with me in sorrow's hour, 

When trials come to me, 
Then come what may, I will not fear, — 

I pray Thee, stay with me. 

Do stay with me when death is nigh, 

For all my trust's in Thee, 
I'll close my eyes and know 'tis well, — 

I pray Thee, stay with me. 



57 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE GOOD AND TRUE. 

None but the good and true 
Are called God's work to do; 
None but the pure in heart 
His presence will impart. 

None but the faithful found 
Will there obtain a crown ; 
None but those who do His will 
Shall find the promises fulfilled. 

None but those the Lord has called, 
Alone those He has justified, 
And all the truly sanctified, 
Will in that land be glorified. 



S3 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THIS IS NOT OUR HOME. 

Dear friends, have you had sorrow, 
Have trials to you come, 

And all you set your heart on 
Has come to naught again? 

For there are crosses many 
We every day must meet, 

But if we have God's presence 
It will make the bitter sweet. 

For thought does oft remind us 
That this is not our home, 

But we are hastening onward 
To see Him on His throne. 



59 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE GREATEST WORK. 

God ! I will Thy goodness praise, 
For Thou hast kept me all my days; 
Thy promises I have found true, 
And often love them to review. 

1 love sometimes to be alone, 

To take account of mercies shown ; 
And all who try to do Thy will 
Will find Thy word Thou wilt fulfil. 

The greatest work that we have here 
Is to obtain a title clear 
To mansions Jesus will prepare, 
And strive to be admitted there. 

And now this hope should cheer us on 

To watch and wait for Christ to come, 
60 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

For none but spirits born of God 
Will glory in the coming Lord. 

Now let us gird our armor on, 
And daily watch for Him to come; 
It will help our lives to purify, 
And make us fit to live on high. 



HE WILL FORGIVE YOU. 

I am soon going home, 
My dear Saviour to see, 

I will then realize 

What He has done for me. 

He has saved me, forgiv'n me, 
And cleansed me from sin, 

These many long years 
Since I first let Him in. 

61 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

O friends ! then come to Him, 
His commandments obey, 

And He will forgive you, 
Your sins wash away. 

He will fill you with peace, 
You'll have joy in your soul, 

And know for yourself 

That Christ maketh whole. 



OF THINGS AT HAND. 

I would like to write of things at hand, 
And not what's out of season, 

As my old granny often spake 
Of rhymes that had no reason. 

But I so like to rhyme and rhyme 

Of things that would be pleasing, 
62 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And something that is just at hand. 
And not what's out of season. 

And now this is a happy time, 
When we are each other pleasing; 

I wish it would last all the time, 
And not be out of season. 

If we would have the Golden Rule, 

In all that's right believing, 
Oh, what a heaven on earth we'd have 

In every time and season ! 



63 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE SPIRIT OF GOD. 

thou almighty, unseen power ! 
Now help me to express 

The glory that I feel this hour, 
That others may be blest. 

Help me, O Lord ! to do Thy will, 
And in Thee to confide; 

1 know no harm can come to me 
While in Thee I abide. 

O God ! most holy, kind, and just, 
Thy promise ever sure, 
That with Thy people will abide 
While ages shall endure. 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



WAITING ON THE MUSE. 

You may talk about your sweethearts 
And your lovers as you choose, 

As for me, my time is taken, 
I am wedded to the Muse. 

I am waiting for his coming, 

And I'm sure he brings good news, 

And I must be very quiet 

While I'm waiting for the Muse. 

Oh, his words are all so charming 
I would not a whisper lose, 

For I truly am in earnest 

When I'm waiting on the Muse. 

I would not dare neglect him, 

Though all other friends I'd lose, 
65 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

For my heart is all enraptured 
When I'm waiting on my Muse. 



For his wooing is so winning 
That I could not him refuse, 

And I wish I'd met him sooner, 
Now I am wedded to the Muse. 



ELECTION DAY. 

And now this is election day, 
I wonder whom 'twill be; 

Some of us want the yellow gold, 
And others silver free. 

And as the voting still goes on, 
I wonder whom 'twill be; 

Some of us want the yellow gold, 
And others silver free. 

66 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

But when the ballots we do count, 
We might as well agree; 

For the majority must rule, 
Be it gold or silver free. 



THE SAVIOUR'S CALL. 

When first the Saviour of mankind 
Came, two thousand years ago, 

Some heard His call, "Come, follow me,' 
And left their all to go. 

Nor staff nor scrip nor wealth had they, 

Nor where to lay their head, 
But onward they their way pursued, 

And followed where He led. 

He promised them no earthly gain, 

'Twas for the love of right ; 
67 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

They followed Christ, the Lowly One, 
Who is the world's great Light. 

They stayed by Him and listened well, 
There was power in what He said ; 

He calmed the waves of Galilee, 
And more, He raised the dead. 

And still He is the same to-day 
As two thousand years ago ; 

He's calling yet, "Come, follow me," 
Lord, help us hear and go. 



68 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE VOICE WITHIN. 

This voice within, this voice within, 

That tells us of our sin, 
Of good approves, the wrong condemns,- 

It is the voice within. 

This voice addresses every man 

Since Eve's and Adam's sin, 
It was the same which them condemned, - 

The self-same voice within. 

This is the spirit God gave man 
When first He breathed on him, 

And he became a living soul, — 
This is the voice within. 

If you will only heed this voice, 

And turn your back on sin, 
69 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

God will approve the deeds you do, — 
This quiet voice within. 

We're told to choose whom we will serve, 
Death to insure or life to win ; 

Help us, then, Lord, with heart and soul 
To heed this voice within. 



TO MY GRANDDAUGHTER, CLARA 
HAMILTON. 

I'd sing a song to Clara, 
For she is true and sweet ; 

She always brings me gladness, 
To cheer me when we meet. 

For she is young and pretty, 

A rose but in the bud ; 

70 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Her witty ways are winning, 
Her presence does me good. 

And I just now was saying 
Her like I ne'er have seen, 

For in her every movement 
She is graceful as a queen. 



A REBUKE. 



Now, as for me, I would love to see 

Those gentlemen so fine, 
Whom nothing seems to please so 

As always slurring Bryan. 

To show their wit, indeed, it's fit, 

Why not their names assign, 

That no other man may take the blame, 

These slanderers of Bryan? 
71 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

I think if I was in their place 
I would not waste my time, 

And show the world how little wit 
I had in slurring Bryan. 

He is a man, your brother man, 

In whom no stain I find ; 
It is a shame, a mighty shame, 

This always slurring Bryan. 



OLD IRELAND IN SEVENTEEN HUNDRED 
AND NINETY-EIGHT. 

In seventeen hundred and ninety-eight 

Old Ireland's heart was stirred, 

And the cry of freedom for native land 

On every side was heard. 
72 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Then for liberty there were brothers three, 
Whose hearts for country burned, 

And they went one day, but from the fray 
These brothers ne'er returned. 

Their mother plead, " Don't go," she said, 

But beseeching was in vain ; 
Unto her they said, " Don't be afraid, 

'Tis a sore battle where all are slain." 

They were our kin, Shaw was their name, 
'Twas hard from their own to part; 

For the love of liberty they gave their lives, 
And they truly were freemen in heart. 



73 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



COME TO JESUS. 

And now, my dear Jesus, 
To Thee I do come, 

Who no one despiseth, 
But welcomes all home. 

Who treateth all kindly, 
The friend of the weak, 

And no word of harshness 
To any one speaks, 

But all to encourage 
The sinner to come, 

That Jesus might bless them, 
And seal them for home. 

To pardon the past 

And renew them within, 

74 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

To be kept by His spirit 
And saved from their sin. 

That life never ending 
To them He might give, 

And the blessed assurance 
They forever shall live. 

For this is the promise 

God's Word doth proclaim, 

For Christ died to save us, 
We all are the same. 

No matter what nation, 
Or by what way we came, 

God alone 'tis can save us, 
There's no other name. 

In His Word it is written 

That whoever believes 
75 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Will not be rejected, 
But his pardon receive. 



LOOKING BACKWARDS. 

Now I will try and muse awhile, 
And think how long it has been 

Since first I tried to read my fate, 
When I was but seventeen. 

And many maidens young were there 

That day upon the green, 
All there to pull the yarrow fair 

Upon that night to dream. 

We placed it safe beneath our heads ; 

We were told that night we'd dream 
Of the young man we were to wed, 

When we were but seventeen. 

7 6 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

How carefully we went up-stairs, 

Nor dare we talk between, 
We must not even say our prayers, 

For we were going to dream. 

I'll ne'er forget the guilt I felt, 
To me how wrong it seemed 

To want to know the future so, 
I could not sleep nor dream. 

And, lo ! behold, a storm arose, 
And lightnings flashed between; 

I was sure Old Nick had come for me 
When I was but seventeen. 

My bedroom windows opened wide, 
I threw the yarrow in the stream ; 

I then knelt down and said my prayers, 
Nor did I want to dream. 



11 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



BE WATCHING. 

He is coming, yes, He's coming, 
And we had better be prepared, 

And see our lamps are burning, 
To meet Him in the air. 

For we are told in the Scriptures 
To guard our souls with care, 

And always be in readiness 
To meet Him in the air. 

Of the time there's no man knoweth, 

But the signs everywhere 
Tell us to be in readiness 

To meet Him in the air. 

Lest any time at His coming 

We should be taken unaware, 
78 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

We are told to be watching 
For His coming in the air. 



HE LEADETH ME. 

I would rather have what I possess 

Than all the world beside; 
You ask me what I prize so much, 

'Tis God to be my guide. 

O friends ! do look to Him for help, 

He will not you deceive, 
For He will keep you all the way 

Who on Him do believe. 

Now let us give our hearts to Him, 

To Him commit our ways, 
And then we'll find that life's too short 

To utter half His praise. 

79 



Thotights and Experience in Verse. 



A BETTER TIME IS COMING. 

A better time is coming, 
I hear its wheels humming, 
There's a better time coming 

Right away, right away ; 
A better time is coming, 

Is coming right away. 



When we all shall love our neighbors, 
Justly pay them for their labors : 
There's a better time coming, 

Right away, right away; 
A better time is coming, 

Is coming right away. 

When man to man as brothers 

Shall do right each with the other : 
80 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

There's a better time coming, 

Right away, right away; 
Then a better time is coming, 

Is coming right away. 

When wrongs have been adjusted, 
And we're paid by those we trusted : 
There's a better time coming, 

Right away, right away; 
There's a better time coming, 

It's coming right away. 

When we are well converted, 
And sins have been deserted : 
There's a better time coming, 

Right away, right away; 
There's a better time coming, 

It's coming right away. 



81 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE SPIRIT OF WRITING. 

When will my friend return? 
When will my friend return? 
For him I sigh and wish him nigh, — 
When will my friend return? 

For I am sad and sorrowful, 
For him my heart doth yearn; 
I have no fear when he is near, — 
When will my friend return? 

This longing and this loneliness, 
I sigh from night till morn, 
And listen for his coming back, — 
When will my friend return? 

And, oh, the joy his presence brings, 

It turns my night to morn ; 
82 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And toil or care I feel no more 
When my dear friend returns. 



Wilmington, February 19, 1896. 
This is my fifty-eighth birthday. 

Now what the Lord would have me do 

I am sure I cannot tell, 
But I'm listening day by day 

To hear Him on me call, 

And where He leads I'd follow on. 

His own sheep know His voice, 
And He will safely guide them home, 

Who have made Him their choice. 



83 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

THE SUNSET ON THE SEA. 

This world has God made beautiful, 
And His works are dear to me, 

But the scene that I love most of all 
Is a sunset on the sea. 

I love the landscape to survey, 
Each shrub and flower and tree, 

But the scene that I love most of all 
Is a sunset on the sea. 

I love the mountain side to climb, 
And look o'er dale and lea, 

But the scene that I love most of all 
Is a sunset on the sea. 

I love to stand and view the brook, 

With its waters pure and free, 

8 4 



Thoitghts and Experience in Verse. 

But the scene that I love most of all 
Is a sunset on the sea. 

I love to sit and watch the clouds, 
For they are beautiful to me, 

But the scene that I love most of all 
Is a sunset on the sea. 



HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR SAVIOUR? 

Oh, have you found your Saviour yet? 

Have you been from sin set free? 
Has your heart been filled with joy and peace? 

Now tell it unto me, now tell it unto me, 

Now tell it unto me, 

Has your heart been filled with joy and peace? 

Now tell it unto me. 
85 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

This is the joy that pardon brings, 

And we are longing now to see 

This whole creation saved from sin ; 

Now tell it unto me, now tell it unto me, 
Now tell it unto me, 
Has your heart been filled with joy and peace? 
Now tell it unto me. 

Now have you found this peace 

To the Christian does belong ? 
It is a blessed assurance, 

And in thy heart a song; 
Now tell it unto me, now tell it unto me, 

Now tell it unto me, 
Has your heart been filled with joy and peace ? 
Now tell it unto me. 



36 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



GUIDED BY THE SPIRIT. 

Let us be guided by the Spirit, 
A present God be all we crave; 

Better far than earth or kindred 
Is this blessing to have. 

Some day He will come, and never, 
Never more His temple leave, 

But abide with thee forever, — 
You would not this Spirit grieve? 



87 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



WHAT THE PEOPLE BELIEVED FIFTY 
YEARS AGO. 

I would fain lose myself, and in fancy awhile 
With the days of my childhood an hour beguile, 
When all tales of the fairies I believed to be true, 
O bright, golden days ! when no better I knew. 

On the long winter nights by the warm, glowing fire, 
Each one told a tale, for that was required; 
Be kind unto strangers, for oft in disguise 
For these fairies to call in was no surprise, 

And often to borrow; be sure that you lend, 

For if you refuse them bad luck may attend; 

If their good-will you have, you have nothing to fear, 

Your efforts will prosper the whole of that year. 

88 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

For of witches and fairies there were not a few, 
And e'en the old people believed it was true ; 
You had better be friends, and have them on your side; 
If you have their good-will, no harm can betide. 



BE READY. 



The day is fast approaching me 
When I must say good-by 

To all I love on earth, and go 
To mansions in the sky. 

For Christ has left us to prepare, 
He's coming by and by, 

And safely He will us conduct 
To glory in the sky. 

I'm waiting for His coming now, 

I feel the day is nigh 
89 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

When ev'ry eye shall see Him shine 
While coming in the sky. 

O friends ! I beg you be prepared, 
And set your aims on high, 

And have your wedding garments on 
To meet Him in the sky. 



ANYWHERE WITH JESUS. 

Anywhere with Jesus, 

No matter where that be ; 

Anywhere with Jesus, 
If He but leadeth me. 

No matter on the mountain, 

Or in the valley low, 

Anywhere with Jesus 

I would be glad to go. 
9 o 



TJwughts and Experience in Verse. 

And if it were to prison, 
I am sure I would rejoice ; 

Anywhere with Jesus, 

Since I have been His choice. 

Anywhere with Jesus, 

If He lives within the soul ; 

Anywhere with Jesus, 

The half has ne'er been told. 

And of His loving kindness 
To all who will believe ; 

Anywhere with Jesus, 
His favor to receive. 



91 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



INSPIRATION. 

O Thou Great Spirit ! I implore 

That Thou wilt come, my thoughts control, 
For all within me soon vibrates 

When Thy glorious presence fills my soul. 

Once we have tasted the nectar sweet, 

It gives us sight to behold, 
And ears to hear, mind to detect, 

When Thy glorious presence fills the soul. 

Thy presence is a greater wealth 
Than all the millions men control, 

If we have nothing but our daily bread, 
When Thy glorious presence fills the soul. 

We envy not the grand and great, 

But love God's works to behold, 
92 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Well satisfied with our humble state 

When Thy glorious presence fills the soul. 



MY HUSBAND. 



The dearest companion of my heart, 
Who wooed me when I was young, 

Now God has called us to part, 
And I am all alone. 

And as I think and view the past, 
And all that has been done, 

The more I see life's vanity 
When I am all alone. 

Oh, who can tell the loneliness 
But those who have one gone, 

And how we long for sympathy 
When we are left alone? 

93 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

But, still, I have another friend, 

It is God's only Son; 
He has promised to abide with me, 

And I am not alone. 



MY MUSE. 



Now if you think that I can write, 
And do it when I choose, 

It is not so, I'd have you know, 
I owe it to the Muse. 

Oh, what a boon it is to me 
That I have such a friend, 

And while he tells me what to say 
I only use the pen ! 

And when I write and read again, 
And think it is no good, 

94 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Just then my Muse suggests to me, 
" You've put it as you should." 

And then again I courage take, 
He makes my heart so glad ; 

Could I but dwell beneath the spell 
I never would be sad. 



WHAT A CHANGE! 

When Christ's Disciples first set out 
They had neither staff nor scrip, 

But now to-day it's "Will it pay?" 
And the preacher's lost his grip. 

And if he's told where there's more gold, 

He's sure the Lord has called him, 

And never asks if he's equipped 

With what his Master told him. 
95 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

"Give us the golden calf," they cry, 

No matter how they get it, 
Though God's commands be all forgot, 

And His temples desecrated. 

I'm afraid the Lord will send 

Some great and sad disaster, 
For this insincerity of men 

To God, their Lord and Master. 



AGAIN AND AGAIN. 

What was man made for, 
Or what is the end? 

Is a question we're asking 
Again and again. 

For if here, and here only, 

We serve and attain, 
9 6 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Why should we sorrow 
Again and again? 

We long for the knowledge 
Of things not now plain, 

And sigh for assurance 
Again and again. 

We must go to the Saviour, 
And with Him remain, 

For He gives us knowledge 
Again and again. 



SOCIETY. 



It's of society I'd sing, 
For it is all the fad ; 

I'd like to have a pedigree 
If there's one to be had. 

97 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

But I'm afraid I cannot find 
Bright blue blood in my veins, 

For I am of the common kind, 
Who greatness ne'er attains. 

But if I'm happy, what's the harm? 

I will not vex my mind, 
Though in to-day's society 

A place I could not find. 

Though I'm sure my life's been pure, 
With neither flaw nor stain, 

I would not be admitted with 
No blue blood in my veins. 

But as it is I am content, 

Nor do I wish to change, 
For I am of the common kind 

That greatness ne'er attains. 



93 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



WAITING. 

Waiting, dear Lord, waiting, 

I'm waiting now on Thee; 
Thou hast promised to our strength renew, 

Who humbly wait on Thee. 

I'm waiting, waiting, waiting, 

A blessing now from Thee; 
Thy promise is, Thou wilt forgive 

All those who wait on Thee. 

Waiting, waiting, waiting, 

Thou wilt not say me nay ; 
For those who ask, believing, 

Shall not be turned away. 



99 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE SPRINGTIME. 

How beautiful the springtime, 

My preference is for May ; 
That is when we wedded were, 

And on the second day. 

The seasons all have come and gone, 

And time hath rolled away, 
Until it now is forty years, 

This second day of May. 

I love now to recall the past, 

Of hope and trust that day, 
And love, that helped our burdens bear, 

This second day of May. 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse, 



TRUST GOD'S WORD. 

There will be a time, when God sees fit, 
That our sorrows will surcease, 

For God will take us to Himself, 
To dwell with Him in peace. 

This blessed promise gives us strength 
To fight against what's wrong, 

That daily we are bound to meet 
With spirits we are among. 

And if at first we find we're weak, 

The struggle won't be long, 
For in His name there's no defeat; 

Come, join me in my song. 

And let us sing away all care, 
To raise our hearts on high, 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

For to do right here we must fight, 
And on God's word rely. 



THE ECHO. 



Methinks I hear the echo 

Come down the shores of time,- 

"Well done, my faithful servant, 
Thou art forever mine. 

"And now I'd have you enter 
Into this home sublime, 

Which I have been preparing 
Before we counted time. 

"There you shall live forever, 
Nor older grow with time ; 

There are no tears in Heaven, 
For all things are divine. 

I02 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

" Here sin nor death can enter, 

True happiness you'll find, 
And with a present Saviour 

That life will be sublime." 



A CALL TO IDLERS. 

Come, listen, a voice is now calling, — 
"Go, work in my vineyard to-day; 

The harvest is losing by waiting, 
Go, work in my vineyard to-day. 

"Oh, why are you standing here idle? 

For now it is noon-time of day, 
And that which is just I will pay you, 

Go, work in my vineyard to-day. 

"Of harvest there is a great plenty, 

And laborers are few in the way ; 

103 



Thotcghts aiid Experience in Verse. 

I pray you, be up and be doing, 
Go, work in my vineyard to-day." 

And now it is drawing towards evening, 
And, idling, you still are away, 

But the Master to you is yet calling, — 
"Go, work in my vineyard to-day." 



WISDOM OR WEALTH. 

Wisdom, 'tis more than wealth, 
And a conscience that is clear, 

Make one grand feast that never ends, 
And is new from year to year. 

And now I do this wisdom ask ; 

My dear Lord, give it me, 

That I may keep Thy holy laws, 

And only live to Thee. 
104 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

I pray Thee in my heart abide, 

For it is stayed on Thee ; 
In Thee I trust, to Thee I look, 

There is no help in me. 

Weak am I, but Thy grace is strong, 

Thou lovest to forgive; 
Now, give me faith to see Thee, Lord, 

That I may love and live. 



THE SEASONS. 

When I look on these violets, so pure and so sweet, 
And the green leaves that do them entwine, 

It seems that a voice from within doth speak, 
Saying, "The hand that made us is divine." 

And when I turn o'er apple- blossoms I find, 

With their beautiful pink, green, and red, 
105 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Then my heart is glad, for I know it is spring, 
When all things shall rise from the dead. 

And now it is summer, I know very well, 
For daisies and clover are in bloom, 

The birds are all singing, the bee on the wing, 
And all nature rejoices 'tis June. 

When I turn o'er the leaf, chrysanthemums I find, 
Some call them the queens of the fall, 

But I think when the trees put on their fall dress 
They're the grandest, most glorious of all. 



106 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse, 



DEATH IS SURE FOR MAN. 

'Tis many a year since on this earth 

My voyage of life began, 
But every day it seems more clear 

That death is sure for man. 

To have a name and rise to fame 
Men work and strive and plan, 

Strain every nerve the end to serve, 
But death is sure for man. 

Now what is life but care and strife 

E'er since this world began? 
And if their end they have attained, 

Yet death is sure for man. 

With pomp and state he thinks he's great, 

But God still leads the van, 
107 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And what we are we did not make, 
But death is sure for man. 

Take Christ for king, no gods between, 

'Tis our Creator's plan, 
Do Him trust, be true and just, 

But death is sure for man. 



A NEW HEART. 



I am saved, I am saved, for Christ, my Redeemer, 

Has taken my sins all away; 
His Spirit within will not let me sin, 

For a new heart He gave me to-day. 

This is the religion in old time they had, 

The kind we enjoy every day, 
And makes us rejoice, no need to be sad, 

For to Zion is a beautiful way. 

108 



Thotights and Experience in Verse. 

Though narrow the road, and strait is the gate, 

And crosses are oft in the way, 
We will look right ahead, no need to be sad, 

For the prize we are running to-day, — 

For life everlasting, for life everlasting, 
And a crown at the end of the way; 

I am saved, I am saved, for Christ, my Redeemer, 
A new heart has given me to-day. 



THE MYSTERY OF LIFE. 

This life we live is a mystery, 

So little do we know 
The reason why we came here 

And whither we shall go. 

God's works are all mysterious, 

We do not understand 

109 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

The smallest blade of grass that grows 
Or e'en a grain of sand. 

How great the speculation 

And theologies of man, 
God works in ways mysterious 

We cannot understand. 

Oh, think ! the best that we can do 
Is to keep the Lord's commands, 

Some day in His own blessed time 
We will fully understand. 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse, 



PRAYER AND EXPERIENCE. 

Now, blessed Lord, I come to Thee, 
To Thee my prayer ascends : 

If wrong I've done 

Help me to make amends. 

For if we have been born of God, 
His laws dwell in our breast, 

And we will gladly do His will, 
And leave with Him the rest. 

I know that my Redeemer lives, 
And that His Spirit's truth, 

He gave me grace to do His will, 
And serve Him from my youth. 

Now, blessed Lord, I come to Thee, 
I know that I am Thine, 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Because Thy Spirit reigns within, 
Within this heart of mine. 



THE GREAT DELIVERER. 

Yes, Christ has promised to set free, 
His call to us is " Come to me ; 
Ye that are burdened, come and rest ; 
Come to the Saviour and be blessed." 

Although you can't yourselves forgive, 
He will you pardon and relieve, 
He every whit will make you whole, 
And heal your sighing, sin-sick soul. 

He'll set His seal upon your brow 
And clothe you with a garment new, 
His spirit will be in your breast, 
Which is the Christian's only test. 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE PILGRIM. 

The pilgrim of the long ago, 

Convicted of his sin, 
Left all he had, 'mid cries and tears, 

Eternal life to win. 

And so would we, if we could see, 

And rightly understand, 
The things that to our peace belong, 

Make haste to reach that land. 

All other things we'd count but dross, 
And earthly treasures vain; 

We'd glory only in the cross, 
Eternal life to gain. 



"3 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



SOLITUDE. 

Where on earth can he be found 
But sometimes loves to be alone, 

Just to take a view of self, 

And count God's mercies shown? 

Solitude for me hath charms 

Above all earthly show, 
To be alone with time to think, 

That I myself may know. 

When deathlike silence reigns around, 
The solemn quiet which I love, 

I ponder in my heart God's laws 
And turn my thoughts above. 

For I have given myself to God, 

I have no cause to fear, 
114 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

He is my Prophet, Priest, and King, 
And I must be sincere. 



LED BY THE SPIRIT. 

Oh, I am so happy, 
There's joy in my soul, 

I have found a great Saviour, 
Who maketh me whole. 

He guides me and keeps me 
In peace all the way, 

His presence within me 
Will not let me stray. 

I know that He leads me, 

My heart's filled with love 

To God and my neighbor, — 

This love's from above, 
us 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Now to Him be the glory; 

It is my chief end 
To serve God forever 

And enjoy Him. Amen. 



IRELAND. 



I know of a land, a far-away land, 
To the eastward and over the sea; 

'Tis the land of my forefathers, Erin by name, 
And the mem'ry is dear unto me. 

Oft I think of our home on the top of the hill, 
'Twas so high that it looked o'er the sea; 

My childhood and schooldays I often recall, 
For the mem'ry is dear unto me. 



There the woodbine and hawthorn together combine, 
Their perfume to shed o'er the lea, 

116 



Thottghts and Experience in Verse. 

And daisies and shamrock each other entwine, 
And the mem'ry is dear unto me. 

I love often to think of that country so old, 

That far-away land o'er the sea, 
The land of the lark, the linnet, and thrush, 

For the mem'ry is dear unto me. 

To list to the magpie; if two there be nigh 

Is said a good omen to be; 
The cuckoo and wren together do blend, 

And the mem'ry is dear unto me. 

I would love once again to cross o'er the main, 

That dear Emerald Island to see, 
The primrose and cowslips and violets so sweet, 

For the mem'ry is dear unto me. 



"7 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



OUR COUNTRY. 

I would fain write a letter in praise of our country, 
And speak of her mountains, her valleys and dells, 

But it must be traversed to thoroughly know 
That no land is like it where any man dwells. 

I would tell of its statesmen, their learning and 
knowledge, 

And all of their virtues would highly applaud, 
But that's not the voice I hear coming to me, 

For a nation's true greatness is trusting in God. 

A long while ago, when men's hearts had failed them, 
And death was the price of an honest belief, 

O'er the ocean God showed them this blessed asylum, 
And oppressed and down-trodden came here for 
relief. 

118 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Now let us consider and carefully ponder 
The sorrows our forefathers valiantly bore, 

And all of the hardships for freedom of conscience 
That we might have liberty forevermore. 

In the trial of this hour, when perils seem near us, 
God help us look to Him as never before, 

And, remembering our past as a guide for the present, 
Be right, true, and just before we make war. 



THAT OLD SONG. 

Come, let us now sit down, my man, 
The time does not seem long 

Since first we met and first we loved, 
And you sang me that old song. 

Although that now is forty years, 

And things have oft gone wrong, 
119 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

The worst that came could well be borne 
When you sang me that old song. 

But then our hearts were filled with love, 
In faith we both were strong, 

And heavy burdens seemed but light 
When you sang me that old song. 

So let us now sit down, my man, 

The past with memory scan, 
There's nothing now I would undo, 

So sing me that old song. 

The song that first you sang to me 
When handsome, young, and strong, 

And I myself but in my teens ; 
Now sing me that old song. 

Oh, sing it o'er and o'er to me, 

I've done the best I can, 
1 20 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And I have no regrets to give, 
So sing me that old song. 



WE CAN TRUST HIM TO-DAY. 

Where is the brotherhood 

Our Master did teach? 
For unless we obey Him 

It is useless to preach. 

Now, professing and praying 

Are nothing but cant, 
By our works we are known, 

It is work that we want. 

With their sanctified airs 
They'd their Master betray, 

As deceitful as Judas, 

They're the same to this day. 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Away with such teachers, 
Let us turn to the Lord, 

He will have compassion 
If we trust in His word. 

His commandments, we know them, 
With our hearts we'll obey, 

And His spirit will lead us, 
Come, hearken to-day. 

For He will forgive us, 

Our sins wash away ; 
He will never deceive us, 

We can trust Him to-day. 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



COMPOSING RHYMES. 

The greatest joy there is on earth 

That I can ever find, 
Is just to steal away alone 

And write a little rhyme. 

And at so very little cost 

I think you should not mind ; 

But bear with me, I pray thee, now, 
And let me write my rhyme. 

Not for the riches of the earth, 

Its jewels all combined, 
Would I exchange the joy I have 

While writing up my rhyme. 

If I could only touch some heart 

And give it joy like mine, 
123 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Then would my life not be in vain 
In writing up my rhyme. 

And, oh, what joy to me it brings, 

To this my heart inclines, 
And all my troubles I forget 

While writing up my rhymes. 

And now, my friend, you will, I hope. 

Be patient with my lines, 
When you shall know what joy I have 

In writing up my rhymes. 



124 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE OLD YEAR IS DYING. 

Now the old year is dying, 

Her sun will soon set ; 
We must bid her farewell, 

Though it's with regret. 

'Tis gone, 'tis gone, to never return. 

As a tale that's been told ; 
It's to us a reminder 

We are all growing old, 

And the day of our destiny 

Draws nigh to a close ; 
Now what's in the future 

Our blessed Lord knows. 

Oh, what meaneth this longing 

The future to know? 
125 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

If it's not of importance, 
Why trouble us so? 



TO MY GRANDDAUGHTER NANNIE. 

I dearly love my Nannie, 

She is modest, sweet, and shy ; 

How is it that I love her so? 
I cannot tell you why. 

Her face is fair, her form is fine, 

And hazel is her eye ; 
And how it is I love her so 

I cannot tell you why. 

Her hair is brown, her mouth is sweet, 

Her teeth they are like pearls ; 

Why should I not love her to meet 

More than all other girls? 
126 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



TO MY MARY. 

Now my Mary dear has left me, 
Yes, the one I love has gone, 

And the time now seems so dreary 
As I sit here all alone. 

Now for a little pastime 

I will try and write some lines, 
And treasure up in memory 

Some thoughts of other times. 

For if on life's stage we scatter 
Pure and good acts by the way, 

There will be a time of reaping, 
And they will return some day. 

And now, my dearest Mary, 

Let our watchword still be right, 
127 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And whatever our hand findeth, 
Let us do with all our might. 



TRUSTING. 



blessed Saviour ! blessed Saviour ! 
Come Thou in and sup with me; 
Leave me not till Thee in glory 

Face to face I see. 

Keep me holy, make me lowly, 
All that Thou would have me be; 
Leave me not till Thee in glory 
Face to face I see. 

1 will trust Thee, ever trust Thee, 

Still, my Lord, abide with me ; 

Leave me not till Thee in glory 

Face to face I see. 
128 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse, 



TO ERIN. 

O Erin ! dear Erin ! in thought I recall thee, 
In memory revisit thy sea-beaten shore, 

For there I could tarry and never grow weary 

In the land of O'Connell, of Emmet, and Moore. 

The seagulls give warning the morning is dawning, 
The larks with their carols high overhead soar, 

And there I could tarry and never grow weary 
In the land of O'Connell, of Emmet, and Moore. 

The first two were statesmen, the world owned them 

great, 

The third a sweet poet who left us his lore, 

Yes, there I could tarry and never grow weary 

In the land of O'Connell, of Emmet, and Moore. 
9 I2 9 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Due honor be to them, for none may outdo them, 
Their praises we'll sing them from shore unto shore, 

And there I could tarry and never grow weary 
In the land of O'Connell, of Emmet, and Moore. 



A MOTHER'S PRAYER. 

Dear Lord, before Thee now I bow, 
Thou who doth answer prayer, 

And ask Thee to forgive the one, 
Thou knowest whom and where. 

Grace ample give him to resist 
The great curse of to-day, 

And draw his heart unto Thyself, 
And teach him how to pray. 

By faith and trust in God alone 

Do we receive the power 
130 



Thoughts and Expeinence in Verse. 

And skill to bid the tempter flee, 
When in temptation's hour. 

For God alone, who- knows our needs, 

Our hearts can satisfy, 
And fit us here on earth to dwell, 

And live with Him on high. 

Again I plead ; Thou knowest, Lord, 

It is an urgent prayer ; 
Oh, draw this one unto Thyself, 

For none can perish there. 



[31 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



Dear friend, if e'er you meet me 
Please do not expect too much, 

For I have never been to college, 
And my learning's nature's touch. 

Like all rhymers, I love justice, 
We all do battle for what's right, 

And our words are to be trusted, 
For in our pens there's might. 

I am sure I was born a rhymer, 
Though but lately I came to know. 

For I always was so busy 
That I never had a show. 

Could I but make people happy 

I would never work again, 
132 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

I would apply myself to study, 
That I might my end attain. 

Dear friend, you will excuse me, 
Though my verses are so poor ; 

If they only bring you pleasure 
I'll be happy, I am sure. 



TO KATIE. 



O Katie ! dearest Katie ! 

My dear, wilt thou be mine ? 
For in my heart I love thee, 

Could I hope such bliss to find? 

If all this world were mine 

I would give it all for thee; 

Now, my own, my dearest Katie, 

I pray thee, think of me. 
133 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Arid now I pledge my honor, 
And vow by all that's high, 

I will never wed another, 
And I will tell you why. 

And now, my dearest Katie, 
Within my heart a thought, 

The worship that I gave thee 
Will never be forgot. 

For all I have and am, my dear, 

I'd give it all for thee; 
My own, my dearest Katie, 

I pray thee think of me. 



134 



Thoughts ciftd Experience in Verse. 



TO WORK. 

We all have a work and we must not shirk, 

For God, He is calling to-day; 
The harvest is here, there's nothing to fear, 

Come, let us serve the Lord to-day. 

To the work ! to the work ! there are souls to be 
saved, 

For God, He is calling to-day, 
And hearts that are sad our God will make glad, 

Come, let us serve the Lord to-day. 

For He will fulfil if we do His will, 

For God, He is calling to-day, 

We will do what's right with all our might, 

Come, let us serve the Lord to-day. 
135 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be like snow, 

For God, He is calling to-day, 
And though they're like crimson they shall be like 
wool, 

Come, let us serve the Lord to-day. 

All that hath an ear now let them hear, 

For God, He is calling to-day, 
And our hearts we will bring to Christ, our King, 

Come, let us serve the Lord to day. 



BLEST BE THE THOUGHT. 

Blest be the thought, the Saviour comes, 

We'll meet Him in the air, 
And be forever with the Lord ; 

There'll be no parting there, 

Nor sin nor sorrow, pain nor care, 

There'll be no parting there. 
136 



Thoughts mid Experience i7i Verse. 

With sin and death and hell destroyed, 

We'll in that land abide, 
And be forever with the Lord ; 

There'll be no parting there, 
Nor sin nor sorrow, pain nor care, 

There'll be no parting there. 

And there will be a happy band, 
Redeemed from pain and care, 

To be forever with the Lord ; 
There'll be no parting there ; 

Blest be the thought, the Saviour comes, 
And no parting shall be there. 



137 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



ONE THAT I LOVED BEST. 

To him with whom I in youth joined hands, 

This voyage of life to test, 
And with the view to still be true, 

To the one that I loved best. 

Now cold the clay and still the form 

Of him I've oft caressed, 
And slumbering in the silent tomb 

The one that I loved best. 

I hope to him God is merciful, 

And that he's with the blest; 
He is my thought both night and morn, 

The one that I loved best. 

Now soon my pilgrimage will end. 

The life beyond to test, 
138 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

I hope to meet all those I love, 
And him that I loved best. 



HE CONSTRAINETH ME. 

Oh, could I now and with my pen 
Write all that God has done for men, 
And as He meant it to be taught, 
To fill each heart with honest thought. 

This longing that I have within, 
To see all others saved from sin, 
I cannot, would not, from it flee, 
For it is God constraineth me. 

And now, O God ! I pray this hour 

That we might feel Thy saving power, 

And then with joy to others tell 

Of Him who doeth all things well. 
139 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse, 



A NEW NAME. 

And unto my Saviour 
I would now draw nigh, 

For He has forgiven me, 
And for me did die. 

But now He is risen, 

And made me His choice, 
For He has redeemed me, 

And I do rejoice. 

My joy no man taketh, 

For it is my own, 
My name, it is written 

Upon the white stone. 

And now to my friends 

And my neighbors I call, 
140 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

To come to the Saviour, 
He will save you all. 



MY THOUGHTS GO BACK. 

My thoughts go back to long ago, 
My Saviour first discovered, 

And I felt the joys of pardoned sin, 
Forget it will I never. 

And oh, what seasons I have seen, 
There's nought from me can sever, 

For joy and love are all my theme, 
Forget it will I never. 

I love the place I found His grace, 
And was from sin delivered, 

All glory be unto His name, 
Forget it will I never. 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse: 

And when my work down here is done, 

All earthly ties to sever, 
I'd still look back to that dear spot, 

Forget it will I never. 



I WOULD RATHER. 

Of all the things that's on this earth 
Or in the world unknown, 

Or all that is beneath the sun, 
I would rather write a poem. 

If I can only pen some lines 

To me before unknown, 
To others might bring happiness, 

I would rather write a poem. 

And if I could but get a glimpse 

Into the world unknown, 
142 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And see how great the glory is, 
I would rather write a poem. 

And all that is beneath the sun 
Or under heaven's bright dome, 

And lay it underneath my feet, 
I would rather write a poem. 



THE CHRISTIAN'S DAILY WALK. 

For every day we must obey, 

And do with all our might 
That which we know will please the Lord, 

And all things will be right. 

His laws to keep, His presence seek, 

Love Him with all your heart, 

With soul and mind, we then shall find, 

Our God will do His part. 
143 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

For those that ask, they do receive, 
And they who seek shall find ; 

To him who knocks God openeth, 
And satisfies his mind. 

Now let us gird our armor on, 

And do with all our might 
The things we know will please the Lord, 

And all things will be right. 



FEAR AND LOVE. 

The fear of God within a soul 

Shows wisdom is begun, 
But perfect love that casts out fear 

Shows grace has surely come. 

1 love to be alone with God, 

I love just to be still, 
144 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And feel His presence in my soul, 
I love to do His will. 

His will is I should tell to you 
What He has done for me ; 

If you'll repent and come to Him 
He'll do the same for thee? 

For Christ has promised to redeem 
And cleanse us from all sin; 

His Spirit sanctifies our hearts 
And keeps us pure within. 



145 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



I KNOW. 

For I know I am the Lord's, 

Whatever may befall, 
And I will glorify His name 

And crown Him Lord of all. 

My soul He safely keeps, 
Nor will He let me fall, 

For I will trust His mightiness 
And crown Him Lord of all. 

And He is always to be found, 

And listens to our call; 
With joy we bow before His shrine 

And crown Him Lord of all. 

Lord, help us, then, to come, 

And prove Thy love to all, 
146 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And have a taste of Heaven below, 
And crown Thee Lord of all. 



INTROSPECTION. 

The Lord has work for me to do, 

And I am in His hands, 
And gladly then will I obey 

Whatever He commands. 

If we would spend one-half the time 

In waiting on the Lord 
We do in getting earthly gain 

It would more peace afford. 

There is a peace within the hearts 

Of them that Christ has saved, 

The assurance is eternal life 

That unto us He gave. 
147 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

There is a spirit comes to all 

The moment we believe, 
Now let us look within and see 

If we have Him received. 



A DREAM OF LONG AGO. 

When first my God's call came to me 

In a dream so long ago, 
My Saviour on the cross I saw, 

Which filled my heart with woe. 

And as I viewed that Holy One, 
There nailed upon the tree, 

What agony did fill my soul 
To think He died for me. 

And as I looked and looked again 

Upon the wounds He bore, 
148 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

His pierced hands and bleeding side, 
I wept and sighed the more. 

And now, alas ! I am undone, 
The Prince of Peace has died, 

The Giver of eternal life 
His foes have crucified. 

Now deep within my very soul 
There's nought but deepest gloom, 

For they have taken Him away 
And sealed Him in the tomb. 

But farther on I saw my Lord, 

My pardon did receive, 
And now it is a risen Christ 

In whom I do believe. 



149 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



TO QUEEN VICTORIA. 

I will take down my harp 

And tune a new lyre, 
It's music, sweet music, 

My heart does inspire ; 
Come, listen, come, listen, 

Come, list to the strains, 
It's music, sweet music, — 

Victoria still reigns. 

Hark ! hark ! what comes over the sea ? 

Hear! hear! 'tis the great Jubilee; 
It's music, sweet music, 

That resounds o'er the lea; 
Come, listen, come, listen, 

Come, list to the strains, 

It's music, sweet music, — 

Victoria still reigns. 
150 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And the past we'll forget, 

At least for to-day ; 
It's music, sweet music, 

For it seems to say, 
Come, listen, come, listen, 

Come, list to the strains, 
It's music, sweet music, — 

Victoria still reigns. 

Her reign has been blessed, 

Filled with mercy and love ; 
It's music, sweet music, 

That's born from above ; 
Come, listen, come, listen, 

Come, list to the strains, 
It's music, sweet music, — 

Victoria still reigns. 



151 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE BRANDYWINE. 

Dear friend, some day I pray you may 

Just take sufficient time 
To stroll along our lovely stream, 

The far-famed Brandywine. 

There crystal waters o'er the rocks 
Their music sweet combines, 

And sunbeams play amid the spray 
Along the Brandywine. 

There trees you'll find of many kinds, 
Bright blooms and trailing vines, 

The little birds here choose their mates 
Beside the Brandywine. 

And youthful lovers there have strolled 

Since days of Auld Lang Syne, 
152 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And many a tale of love's been told 
Along the Brandywine. 

I've heard it said, I've heard it sung, 
Since memory first was mine, 

How lovers met to pledge their troth 
Beside the Brandywine. 

And how the moon would them reveal, 
As through the trees she'd shine, 

Same as to say, "I'm here, you see, 
To guard the Brandywine." 

I wish my mind I could express 

In some impressive line, 
And tell of all the loveliness 

And charms of Brandywine. 



153 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



KEEP ME EVER. 

Blessed Jesus ! blessed Jesus ! 

May I feel Thy presence nigh, 
May I ne'er do aught to grieve Thee 

Till I meet Thee by and by. 

Keep me ever by Thy power, 

Let me never go astray, 
Lead me by Thy presence ever 

In the straight and narrow way. 

Draw my heart that I may love Thee, 
Help me to keep Thy laws to-day ; 

I'm all weakness, Thou art mighty, 
In Thy grace I trust and pray. 

Lest temptation e'er o'ertake me 

I must have Jesus all the way, 
154 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

With His spirit in my bosom 
I can never, never stray. 

Blessed Jesus ! blessed Jesus ! 

Now I feel Thy power within, 
For I know that Jesus keeps me, 

And He saves me from my sins. 

Oh, this glory within my bosom 

None but God's children ever knew ; 

My friends, I beg you come unto Him, 
He is waiting now to give it you. 



155 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



WHEN THE SPIRIT COMES. 

I am waiting, I am waiting 

For the coming of my Lord, 
Still leaning on His promises, 

Confiding in His word. 

Methinks I was there long ago 

And saw the Lord ascend, 
And heard the words, "He'll come again," 

On this my hopes depend. 

He promised us a Comforter 

Who would to us reveal, 
And teach us all we ought to know, 

And nothing good conceal. 

And when this blessed Spirit comes 

Within us to abide, 

156 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

We know, we know that all is well, 
Whatever may betide. 



THIS BEAUTIFUL WORLD. 

While in this pleasant world of ours, 

If we are free from sin, 
We want no other paradise, 

For Christ abides within. 

What blessings come to us who know 

Our sins are all forgiven ! 
The spirit saying in our hearts 

That we are bound for Heaven. 

While trav'ling through this world of ours 

There's many a changing scene, 

Our lives made up of good and ill, 

With all the joys between. 
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Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

Remember, now, that you must reap, 

In sowing, then, beware, 
And think about the harvesting, 

And sow the seed with care. 



NOT A SHAM. 



This life is not a sham, 

This life is not a sham ; 
We are left here on trial, friends, 

This life is not a sham. 

We must our burdens bear, 
And do the best we can ; 

This world is not a pleasure-ground, 
This life is not a sham. 

Come, let us climb life's hill, 

Be cheerful as we can, 

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Thoughts and Experience in Verse, 

Be true in all we think and do, 
This life is not a sham. 



Be honest, kind, and just, 

Do right by every man ; 
This life is what we make it, friends, 

This life is not a sham. 



A THOUGHT. 



The summer is gone, and cold winds are nigh, 

And flower and leaf must decay ; 
Winter's bleak, icy breath on its mission of death, 

To the grave it will bear them away. 

The wind, it is sweeping, the clouds, they are weeping, 

And the landscape no longer is gay; 

Our hearts, they are sad, many hopes, they are dead, 

To the grave all are hastening away. 
159 



Thoughts and Expei'ience in Verse. 

It all makes us think we stand on the brink, 
And all things but live out their day; 

We are just like the flowers, and few are our hours, 
To the grave we are hastening away. 



A MEDITATION. 



Since I am His, and He is mine, 

What shall I want besides? 
Nothing but good can ever come 



To them whom God doth guide. 



He guideth me, He keepeth me, 

He lives within my soul ; 
And oh, what happiness I have, 

Since Christ hath made me whole. 

Then, friends, why don't you come to Him? 

He's waiting to forgive, 
1 60 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

And give you joy and rest and peace, 
And make you fit to live. 

So let us now take up our cross 

And do our very best, 
Be honest, earnest, and sincere, 

And God will do the rest. 

His laws He puts within our hearts 
And writes them in our minds, 

And He will be to us a God, 
And we will be His friends. 



161 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 



THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 

Away, away in that far-off land, 

A story to us has been told 
Of one little lamb who wandered away, 

Who wandered away from the fold. 

One hundred in number we are told were there, 
But the Good Shepherd found one had gone; 

That one little lamb had wandered away, 
Had wandered away from its home. 

Then over the mountains so bleak and bare, 
Through the darkness, the wet, and the cold, 

He went to the aid of that one little lamb 
And brought it safe back to the fold. 

This very same Shepherd would make you His care, 

And He's waiting for you, we are told, 
162 



Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

His ears ever listen to answer your prayer, 
And to welcome you back to the fold. 



TRUE LOVE. 



For slavery there's not any 

That to it can compare, 
Like those who pledge to honor, 

Unless the heart is there ; 
If once I had loved truly, 

Although my love was vain, 
I would rather still remember 

Than e'er to love again. 

Many, many are the sorrows 

Some hearts have here to bear, 

Who promised to cherish 

When true love was not there; 
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Thoughts and Experience in Verse. 

If once I had loved truly, 
Although my love was vain, 

I would rather still remember 
Than e'er to love again. 

For men, their minds oft vary, 

And of loves have a train, 
But woman, the true woman, 

She seldom loves again ; 
If once I had loved truly, 

Although my love was vain, 
I would rather still remember 

Than e'er to love again. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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